Asset Protection Specialist

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to protect company assets from damages, encumbrances and encroachments on all distribution and transmission pipelines, their associated abutments, land rights-of-way and easement rights. This is an operational role that requires ensuring compliance is maintained with state, federal and corporate pipeline safety regulations, and standards for Nicor Gas.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES BY COMPETENCY

Functional Expertise:

• Serves as company Asset Protection liaison between excavators, municipalities, builders, developers, landowners, logging operators, Nicor Gas Contractors and/or their agents / contractors, etc. by responding to any issues or concerns.

• Conduct quality audits on locate contractors and right-of-way contractors to ensure compliance and quality is maintained while updating the required electronic system.

• Conducts all 2nd and 3rd party damage investigations and provides thorough and accurate damage reports to be submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Determines root cause of damages and address issues with locate contractor or excavator on site and provides training as necessary.

• Serve as liaison to the excavating community, internal stakeholders, and locators by resolving Difficult to Locate Issues to ensure a proper locate is completed and no down time claim occurs.

• Conducts education sessions with locate contractors, excavators, landowners and homeowners regarding protecting assets.

• Monitor and coordinate compliance and safety issues for locating, right-of –way maintenance and submerged crossings. Stand by when any work is being performed on or near Nicor Gas High Profile facilities by 2nd or 3rd party excavators.

• Conduct inspections of the right-of-way per Federal Code192 requirements, installing pipeline markers as required and documenting issues in the required electronic system where the incumbent follows up on the issues until resolved.

• Coordinate submerged crossing inspections, blasting and excavation activities on and off our Right-of-Ways to protect Nicor Gas assets.

• Respond to Asset Protection High Profile facilities, incidents, and emergencies on and off our Right-of-Ways.

• Monitor monthly compliance reports to ensure resolution, i.e., aerial patrol, etc.

• Locates gas mains on the Right-of-ways per Nicor Gas construction policy for Nicor Gas Contractors.

• Follow Company Standard ROW procedures ensuring proper forms are utilized and records remain up to date, i.e., encroachment agreements, right-of-way patrols and maps, etc.

• Monitor and work with the Locate contractor to correct performance.

• Administer Contractor Operator Qualification (training, testing and certify).

Business Acumen:

• Attend large project pre-con meetings and monitor progress to protect assets.

• Monitor and follow-up on daily ticket load to prevent future damages.

• Assist with damage investigations at time of damage or during research.

• Conducts research on easement and encroachment issues.

Engagement:

• Facilitate meetings related to Asset Protection contracts and projects prior to projects beginning.

• Represent company at Local Damage Prevention meetings.

• Provide direction and oversight to field operations to improve reporting on damages per Federal and State Requirements.

• Follow-up on potential grid issues with the One Call Center.

• Oversee and inspect all right-of-way maintenance, remediation, mowing and side trimming in assigned area to ensure it has been completed to Nicor Gas specifications.

• Support Trade Show, Industry Committees and One Call events regarding Asset Protection.

Driving Results:

• Ensure compliance and requirements are met relating to contracts, patrols, inspections and audits.

• Assist Management in the administration of Asset Protection contracts.

• Ensure required Asset Protection documentation through Compliance Tracking Systems and SharePoint Sites or other electronic means remain up to date.

• Monitor OQ and training documentation for contractors and Asset Protection employees.

• Review quality issues with management and implement improvements to protect assets.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

• High school diploma or GED with a State driver's license

Preferred:

• Associates /BA/BS degree or equivalent academic education and field operations experience

Related Work Experience:

Required:

• Minimum of 3 years utility field operations experience or related work experience

Preferred:

• 2 years’ experience in locating gas.

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

• Knowledge of quality assurance concepts, Computer literacy - basic proficiency.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills including influencing and/or negotiation, Operator Qualified in accordance with Company Plan: the ability to obtain within required timeline.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of easement rights, engineering, locating and surveying principles, knowledge and experience with Nicor Gas pipeline system, knowledge of real estate terminology; knowledge of terms used by developers and Bilingual skills.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Stooping, kneeling, reaching above and below shoulders; frequent bending.

• Climbing in and out of manholes.

• Extensive digging.

• Carrying equipment up to 30 lbs.

• Walking long distances to inspect facilitates.

• Walk up to 5 miles per day.

• Exposure to outdoor elements (rain, sun, heat, cold).

• 95% of time is spent in the field.

• Subject to afterhours call-outs to respond to damages or high profile emergency situations.

Disclaimer:

This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities

Southern Company Gas provides for the energy needs of millions of U.S. households and businesses. As the largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States, with more than 150 years of history behind us, we're working to ensure that Americans have access to an abundant, safely delivered supply of natural gas for decades to come. We offer our customers a wide range of energy services under one umbrella: seven regulated utilities as well as non-regulated businesses that offer retail, wholesale and storage services.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries . The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications . Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Type: Standard

Primary Location: Illinois-Metro Chicago-Bellwood

Operating Company: Nicor Gas

Job Type: Standard

Travel (Up to...): No

Work Location(s):

Bellwood - 615 Eastern Ave. (615BellwoodCODE)

615 Eastern Ave.

Bellwood, 60104

Req ID: NGC2000108